• 390ci, 315hp V8
• 'Shift Command' Three-speed automatic

• Over $90,000 in restoration receipts
• One of 283 Big Bad Green '69 AMXs
• Equipped with virtually every available option

In the mid-1960s with the pony car wars raging, the American Motor Company decided to enter into the ring with the Big Three and produce a contender. A reliable producer of nicely appointed and economy-minded machines, AMC had not heretofore been much of a player in the world of motoring athletics. Taking a cue from across 'The Pond' that was Lake Michigan, Wisconsin-based AMC got to work producing an 'American Motors eXperimental' that would eventually become the AMX.

In the interest of full scale production, the decision was made to go with a unibody, stamped steel chassis. The AMX was the first all-steel double bucket to come from the US since the 1957 Thunderbird. But unlike the T-bird, speed was the focus. A short rear deck with slight buttressing and long hood gave credence to where the meat of the car was to be found. When it was introduced in '67, engines ranged from a potent 290ci, 225hp V8 up to a fire breathing 390ci, 315hp V8. A four-speed manual was standard but an option three-speed 'Shift Command' automatic was also available. Among the notable options was a range of three 'Big Bad' colors: neon brilliant blue, orange, and green. The package offered color-coded bumpers and special trim for an extra $34. Also available was the 'Go-Package' option that added power-assisted disk brakes, E70 by 14 performance tires wrapping 'Magnum 500' styled steel rims, 'Twin-Grip' differential, heavy-duty cooling and suspension, beefier anti-roll bars, and other performance enhancements.

When the AMX debuted, it was met with rave reviews. The sporting car was often compared to the Corvette thanks to its two-seats, 1" shorter wheelbase, and athletic pretensions. But at a price starting at $3,245 it was about a grand less then the Chevy. The AMX was named the 'Car of the Year' by the Society of Automotive Engineers in 1969 and again in 1970.

The AMX offered here ticks all the boxes—and then some. A California 500 Special model, it came kitted-out with pretty much every available options: the biggest available motor (the 390/315hp), the 'Shift Command' automatic, the 'Go-Pak', the full compliment of luxury and power features including A/C and AM/cassette radio (a second also very rare AM radio is also included), and the Big Bad Green color scheme—it is the baddest AMX you could have ordered. From 2004 to 2006, this car was bestowed with a nut-and-bolt restoration by Collector Car Garage in Rancho Cordova, CA at a cost of over $82,000. Further restorative work brought the total cost to over $90,000. In addition to a full compliment of receipts, an extensive photo album details the work carried out.

One of only 283 Big Bad Green AMX's built in 1969—and even fewer California 500 Specials—this is very likely the world's nicest AMX. With a sea of Mustangs, 'Vettes, and 'Cudas gracing most every show, here is a chance to really stand out with one of America's finest sports/muscle cars for a fraction of its restoration costs.